Denver Nuggets standout center Nikola Jokic said he is ready to go for Friday night’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. After missing the previous 6 games with an ankle sprain, Jokic shared a brief thought on his status with the media:
“I’m playing tonight,” Jokic said.
Will Barton was also missing from Wednesday night’s game against the Celtics. A lower back contusion had Barton officially listed as probable prior to the tip against the Celtics, but he was eventually held out. Both Barton and Jokic are listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Pelicans.
Head coach Michael Malone told the media that both players would be a game time decision at shootaround on Friday morning before taking on the Pelicans.
“I would say that they are still questionable. Both those guys were able to participate in shootaround. Obviously, we will determine how they do during the pregame and when they go through their pregame shooting routines,” Malone said. “I think both of those guys look good, and I’m hopeful they will be ready to go, but that decision will be made later on tonight.”
Both players will be a welcomed sight for a depleted Denver team should they be able to go. The Nuggets tip off against the Pelicans on Friday night at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver.
